Electrical distribution system for an aircraft and associated method

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical distribution system (1) for an aircraft, comprising at least a first electrical distribution module (HV1) configured to supply at least two electrical loads (M1-1, M1-2) with power from at least a first electrical source (B1), a second electrical distribution module (HV2) configured to supply at least two electrical loads (M2-1, M2-2) with power from at least a second electrical source (B2), each electrical distribution module (HV1, HV2) comprising a first path (HV1-, HV2-) and a second path (HV1+, HV2+), each second path (HV1+, HV2+) of an electrical distribution module (HV1, HV2) being connected to the same equaliser busbar (2) by a second transfer line (LT1+, LT2+, LTi+) comprising a transfer contactor (GT1, GT2, GTi).

Description

Electrical distribution system for aircraft and associated method

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical distribution system configured to supply a plurality of electrical propulsion loads for an aircraft from a plurality of electrical sources. The present invention relates in particular to an electrical distribution system making it possible to ensure the propulsion of the aircraft in the event of a failure of one of the electrical sources.

[0002] Climate change is a major concern for many legislative and regulatory bodies around the world. Indeed, various carbon emission restrictions have been, are being, or will be adopted by various states. In particular, an ambitious standard applies to both new aircraft types and those already in operation, requiring the implementation of technological solutions to ensure their compliance with current regulations. Civil aviation has been mobilizing for several years now to contribute to the fight against climate change.

[0003] Technological research efforts have already led to very significant improvements in the environmental performance of aircraft. The Applicant takes into consideration the impact factors in all phases of design and development to obtain less energy-intensive, more environmentally friendly aeronautical components and products whose integration and use in civil aviation have moderate environmental consequences with the aim of improving the energy efficiency of aircraft.

[0004] Consequently, the Applicant is constantly working to reduce its negative climate impact by using methods and operating virtuous development and manufacturing processes and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions to the minimum possible in order to reduce the environmental footprint of its activity.

[0005] This ongoing research and development work focuses on both new generations of aircraft engines and the use of electric technologies to provide propulsion.

[0006] In a known manner, with reference to the, an aircraft comprises four electrical loads M1-1, M1-2, M2-1, M2-2, here electric motors, to enable the propulsion of the aircraft which are powered by two electrical sources B1, B2, for example batteries, via an electrical distribution system 100.

[0007] In this example, the electrical distribution system 100 comprises, on the one hand, a first distribution module HV1 comprising a first negative path HV1- and a second positive path HV1+ and, on the other hand, a second distribution module HV2 comprising a first negative path HV2- and a second positive path HV2+.

[0008] Still with reference to, for a given HV1, HV2 electrical distribution module, each first channel HV1-, HV2- is connected to the electrical source B1, B2 of said HV1, HV2 electrical distribution module by a first supply line LB1-, LB2- while each second channel HV1+, HV2+ is connected to the electrical source B1, B2 of said HV1, HV2 electrical distribution module by a second supply line LB1+, LB2+.

[0009] In this example, with reference to the, each electrical distribution module HV1, HV2 comprises a power contactor AGB1, AGB2 mounted on its power lines LB1-, LB1+, LB2-, LB2+. When the power contactor AGB1, AGB2 is open, the electrical source B1, B2 of said electrical distribution module HV1, HV2 is isolated and no longer allows the power supply of the electrical distribution system 100.

[0010] Still with reference to the, for a given HV1, HV2 electrical distribution module, each first channel HV1-, HV2- is connected to each electrical load M1-1, M1-2, M2-1, M2-2 of said HV1, HV2 electrical distribution module by a first load line LM11-, LM21-, LM12-, LM22- while each second channel HV1+, HV2+ is connected to each electrical load M1-1, M1-2, M2-1, M2-2 of said HV1, HV2 electrical distribution module by a second load line LM11+, LM21+, LM12+, LM22+.

[0011] Each HV1, HV2 power distribution module includes a load contactor AGM1-1, AGM2-1, AGM1-2, AGM2-2 mounted on its load supply lines to isolate each electrical load M1-1, M1-2, M2-1, M2-2. In a known manner, an electrical load M1-1, M1-2, M2-1, M2-2 is isolated in the event of a malfunction.

[0012] In order to ensure the power supply of the electrical loads M1-1, M1-2, M2-1, M2-2 in the event of a localized fault, it has been proposed to use an electrical distribution system 100 allowing the electrical sources B1, B2 to take over from one another in the event of a fault by isolating one or more electrical lines from the electrical distribution system 100. Thus, the first negative paths HV1-, HV2- and the second positive paths HV1+, HV2+ of the distribution modules HV1, HV2 are connected together by a transfer contactor AGT1 so as to allow the power supply circuit to be opened or closed between two distribution modules HV1, HV2.

[0013] In the absence of a malfunction (nominal configuration), the supply contactors AGB1, AGB2 and the load contactors AGM1-1, AGM2-1, AGM1-2, AGM2-2 are closed while the transfer contactor AGT1 is open. Each distribution module HV1, HV2 thus supplies its electrical loads with its electrical sources B1, B2.

[0014] With reference to the, in case of unavailability of the first electrical source B1, the power contactor AGB1 is opened to isolate the first electrical source B1. The power contactor AGB2, the load contactors AGM1-1, AGM2-1, AGM1-2, AGM2-2 and the transfer contactor AGT1 are closed in order to supply all the electrical loads M1-1, M1-2, M2-1, M2-2 via the second electrical source B2 (degraded configuration).

[0015] In practice, during a reconfiguration, that is to say when changing from one configuration to another, the continuity of the electrical distribution is interrupted when the AGB1 power contactor opens and when the AGT1 transfer contactor closes. This distribution discontinuity is linked to the information processing time by an electrical network supervision system, to the response time to the opening of the AGB1 power contactor, and to the response time to the closing of the AGT1 transfer contactor.

[0016] The electrical loads M1-1, M1-2, M2-1, M2-2 are thus supplied discontinuously during a reconfiguration, which can affect their performance and lifespan.

[0017] With reference to, when the electrical distribution system 100 comprises a number n of distribution modules HV1-HVn, it is desired that all of the electrical sources B2-Bn can supply energy to the electrical loads M1-1, M1-2 in the event of unavailability of the first electrical source B1.

[0018] During reconfiguration, it is therefore desirable to close all transfer contactors AGT1, AGT2. The unavailability of the first electrical source B1 thus causes a loss equal to 1 / n of the entire capacity of the electrical batteries B1-Bn. In practice, the transfer contactors AGT1, AGT2 are not perfect and cause losses and voltage drops. In practice, it is difficult to guarantee that each electrical source contributes identically to the energy supply of the loads that have lost their electrical source (the electrical loads M1-1, M1-2 in the case of the loss of the first electrical source B1). For example, to transfer energy from electrical source n, the impedance of the transfer lines connecting the different electrical distribution modules must be taken into account, this impedance being significant due to the length of said transfer lines.The losses related to the number n of transfer contactors AGT1, AGT2 are also significant.

[0019] Documents US2022069614A1, US20160359324A1 and US20110210606A1 teach the use of a balancing bus in the event of a malfunction in an electrical distribution system.

[0020] The invention aims to eliminate at least some of these drawbacks. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The invention relates to an electrical distribution system for an aircraft comprising at least:A first electrical distribution module configured to supply at least two electrical loads from at least one first electrical source,A second electrical distribution module configured to supply at least two electrical loads from at least one second electrical source,Each electrical distribution module comprising a first channel and a second channel which are configured to be connected to each electrical load of the electrical distribution module and to each electrical source of the electrical distribution module,Each first channel of an electrical distribution module being connected to at least one other first channel of another electrical distribution module by a first transfer line,Each second channel of an electrical distribution module being connected to the same balancing bus by a second transfer line comprising a transfer contactor.

[0022] Thanks to the invention, a single balancing bus makes it possible to supply each electrical distribution module so as to supplement, if necessary or in parallel, the electrical sources in order to supply the electrical loads. Advantageously, the balancing bus makes it possible to overcome the length of the transfer lines and the distance between the defective electrical distribution module and the other distribution modules allowing their energy to be shared. The same applies when the electrical loads of an electrical distribution module are defective and the electrical sources can be used to supplement other electrical distribution modules. The use of a balancing bus makes it possible to carry out a parallel configuration, which allows optimal reconfigurations with minimal energy losses and avoiding the succession of transfer switches.

[0023] In one aspect, the electrical distribution system includes a supervisory device configured to close the transfer contactors if the electrical sources have a balanced voltage so as to allow parallel supply of a distribution module. The supervisory device thus ensures balancing by unifying the balanced electrical sources, which guarantees optimal supply to limit switching time. This is particularly relevant for a parallel supply which allows relaying.

[0024] According to one aspect, for a given electrical distribution module, each first channel is connected to the electrical source of said electrical distribution module by a first power supply line and each second channel is connected to the electrical source of said electrical distribution module by a second power supply line, at least one power supply line comprising a power contactor for isolating said electrical source. This makes it possible to isolate the electrical source in the event of a fault. Preferably, the supervision device is configured to control the power contactor in order to clarify a fault.

[0025] According to one aspect, for a given electrical distribution module, each first channel is connected to each electrical load of said electrical distribution module by a first load line comprising a load contactor and each second channel is connected to the electrical source of said electrical distribution module by a second load line, at least one load line comprising a load contactor for isolating said electrical load. Preferably, the supervision device is configured to control the load contactor in order to clarify a fault.

[0026] In one aspect, the transfer contactor comprises a transistor. A semiconductor, particularly a transistor, is easily integrated with a balancing bus and has a very low response time, which allows a fault to be corrected reactively.

[0027] In one aspect, the transfer switch includes an operational amplifier configured to close the transistor. This advantageously allows the transfer switch to be controlled in hardware, further increasing responsiveness.

[0028] In one aspect, the operational amplifier is configured to turn off the transistor if the voltage of the second channel is less than a set voltage.

[0029] The invention also relates to an electrical architecture for an aircraft comprising a plurality of electrical sources supplying a plurality of electrical loads by an electrical distribution system as presented previously.

[0030] The invention also relates to a method for supplying a plurality of electrical loads by an electrical distribution system as presented previously, the electrical distribution system being supplied by a plurality of electrical sources, the method comprising steps consisting of:In nominal operation, opening the transfer contactors so as to supply the electrical loads via the electrical source belonging to the power supply module associated with said electrical loads,Upon detection of a fault, closing the transfer contactors so as to supply the electrical loads via the balancing bus.

[0031] The invention also relates to a method for supplying a plurality of electrical loads by an electrical distribution system as presented previously, the electrical distribution system being supplied by a plurality of electrical sources, the method comprising steps consisting of:In nominal operation, closing the transfer contactors so as to supply the electrical loads in parallel via the electrical sources and via the balancing bus,When a fault in an electrical source is detected, isolating the faulty electrical source, the electrical loads, belonging to the power supply module associated with said electrical source, being supplied only by the balancing bus. PRESENTATION OF FIGURES

[0032] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given by way of example, and referring to the following figures, given by way of non-limiting examples, in which identical references are given to similar objects.

[0033] This is a schematic representation of an electrical distribution system with an architecture according to the prior art.

[0034] This is a schematic representation of an electrical distribution system according to the prior art during a fault in the first electrical source.

[0035] This is a schematic representation of a prior art electrical distribution system with multiple power supply modules.

[0036] This is a schematic representation of an electrical distribution system according to the invention with several power supply modules.

[0037] This is a schematic representation of one embodiment of a power supply module with a single-pole type transfer contactor.

[0038] This is a schematic representation of a first example of implementation of the electrical distribution system in nominal configuration.

[0039] This is a schematic representation of the first example of implementation of the electrical distribution system in degraded configuration.

[0040] This is a schematic representation of a second example of implementation of the electrical distribution system in nominal configuration.

[0041] This is a schematic representation of the second example of implementation of the electrical distribution system in degraded configuration.

[0042] This is a schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of a power supply module with a bipolar type transfer contactor.

[0043] This is a schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of a power supply module with a transfer contactor comprising a transistor.

[0044] This is a schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of a power supply module with a transfer contactor comprising a transistor and an operational amplifier.

[0045] It should be noted that the figures set out the invention in detail to implement the invention, said figures can of course be used to better define the invention if necessary. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0046] An electrical distribution system 1 for an aircraft will be presented comprising a plurality of electrical distribution modules HV1, HV2, HVi, HVn as illustrated in.

[0047] In this example, each HVi power distribution module is configured to supply two electrical loads Mi-1, Mi-2 from a single electrical source Bi. It goes without saying that an HVi power distribution module could be connected to a different number of electrical loads and a different number of electrical sources.

[0048] In this example, each electrical load Mi-1, Mi-2 is in the form of an electric propulsion motor, but it goes without saying that it could be in another form, for example, an actuator. Preferably, each electrical load Mi-1, Mi-2 is an electrical machine capable of also functioning as a generator.

[0049] In this example, each electrical source Bi is in the form of an electric battery, but it goes without saying that it could be in another form, for example, a fuel cell or an electrical machine capable of functioning as a generator. Preferably, each electrical source Bi is a high-voltage electrical source, in particular, of the order of 800Vdc.

[0050] According to one aspect of the invention, the electrical distribution system 1 further comprises converters (not shown) associated with the electrical loads and / or the electrical sources.

[0051] As illustrated in, the distribution system 1 comprises a number n of HVi electrical distribution modules with i the index of an electrical distribution module varying between 1 and n. Such HVi distribution modules are connected together in order to be able to pool the electrical sources Bi to supply all the electrical loads Mi-1, Mi2.

[0052] In this example, two electrical distribution modules HV1, HV2 and their relationships will be presented in detail. A given electrical distribution module HVi presented in the figure will also be presented in general.

[0053] Thus, the distribution system 1 comprises: a first electrical distribution module HV1 configured to supply two electrical loads M1-1, M1-2 from a first electrical source B1, and a second electrical distribution module HV2 configured to supply two electrical loads M2-1, M2-2 from a second electrical source B2.

[0054] As illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, each electrical distribution module HV1, HV2, HVi comprises a first channel HV1-, HV2-, HVi- and a second channel HV1+, HV2+, HVi+ which are configured to be connected to each electrical load M1-1, M1-2, M2-1, M2-2, Mi-1, Mi-2 of the electrical distribution module HV1, HV2, HVi and to each electrical source B1, B2, Bi of the electrical distribution module HV1, HV2, HVi.

[0055] In this example, each channel HV1-, HV2-, HVi-, HV1+, HV2+, HVi+ is in the form of a voltage bus. In particular, each first channel HV1-, HV2-, HVi- is a negative channel (negative voltage for the voltage bus) while each second channel HV1+, HV2+, HVi+ is a positive channel (positive voltage for the voltage bus). It goes without saying that the reverse is also possible.

[0056] With reference to the, for a given HVi electrical distribution module, each first HVi- channel is connected to the electrical source Bi of said HVi electrical distribution module by a first supply line LBi- while each second HVi+ channel is connected to the electrical source Bi of said HVi electrical distribution module by a second supply line LBi+.

[0057] In this example, with reference to the, only the first power supply line LBi- comprises a power supply contactor GBi. It nevertheless goes without saying that each power supply line LBi-, LBi+ could comprise a power supply contactor GBi. In particular, the power supply contactor GBi could be bipolar and open both power supply lines LBi-, LBi+. When the power supply contactor GBi is open, the electrical source Bi of said electrical distribution module HVi is isolated and no longer allows the power supply of the electrical distribution system 1. In a known manner, an electrical source Bi is isolated in the event of a malfunction.

[0058] Still with reference to the, for a given HVi electrical distribution module, each first HVi- channel is connected to each electrical load Mi-1, Mi-2 of said HVi electrical distribution module by a first load line LMi1-, LMi2- while each second HVi+ channel is connected to each electrical load Mi-1, Mi-2 of said HVi electrical distribution module by a second load line LMi1+, LMi2+.

[0059] In this example, with reference to the, only the second load line LMi1+, LMi2+ comprises a load contactor GMi1, GMi2. It nevertheless goes without saying that each load line LMi1-, LMi2-, LMi1+, LMi2+ could comprise a load contactor GMi1, GMi2. In particular, a load contactor GMi1, GMi2 could be bipolar and open both load lines LMi1-, LMi2-, LMi1+, LMi2+. When a load contactor GMi1, GMi2 is open, the electrical load Mi-1, Mi-2 associated with said load contactor GMi1, GMi2 is isolated. In a known manner, an electrical load Mi-1, Mi-2 is isolated in the event of a malfunction.

[0060] Preferably, when the load contactors GMi1, GMi2 and the power contactor GBi are single-pole, they are connected to different HVi-, HVi+ channels so as to allow galvanic isolation of the two channels in order to reduce the mass and complexity, in particular, during safety for maintenance operations. In this example, the power contactor GBi is on the first HVi- channel while the load contactors GMi1, GMi2 are on the second HVi+ channel.

[0061] Still with reference to, in this example, each first channel HV1-, HV2-, HVi- of an electrical distribution module HV1, HV2, HVi is connected to at least one other first channel HV1-, HV2-, HVi- of another electrical distribution module HV1, HV2, HVi by a first transfer line LT1-, LT2-, LTi-. Each second channel HV1+, HV2+, HVi+ of an electrical distribution module HV1, HV2, HVi is connected to the same balancing bus 2 by a second transfer line LT1+, LT2+, LTi+ each comprising a transfer contactor GT1, GT2, GTi.

[0062] In this example, the first channels HV1-, HV2-, HVi- are connected to each other so as to allow a transfer of energy. Each second channel HV1+, HV2+, HVi+ is connected to the balancing bus 2 so as to allow the electrical energy of the different electrical sources B1, B2, Bi to be shared centrally. The presence of a transfer contactor GT1, GT2, GTi on each second transfer line LT1+, LT2+, LTi+ advantageously makes it possible to connect / disconnect the balancing bus 2 in order to provide a power supply in the event of degraded operation.

[0063] With reference to the, the electrical distribution system 1 comprises a supervision device 3 configured to close / open the transfer contactors GT1, GT2, GTi.

[0064] Preferably, the supervision device 3 is configured to close the transfer contactors GT1, GT2, GTi if the electrical sources B1, B2, Bi have a balanced voltage so as to allow parallel supply of a distribution module HV1, HV2, HVi. Thus, if several electrical sources B1, B2, Bi have the same voltage, they can be connected together to the balancing bus 2. In practice, the voltages are considered to be balanced when the current flowing in the transfer line LTi+ connecting the balancing bus 2 to the distribution module is within the rating of the transfer line LTi+.

[0065] Thus, in the event of a fault in one of the electrical sources B1, B2, Bi connected to the balancing bus 2, the faulty electrical source can be isolated without stopping the power supply to the balancing bus 2. As a result, the electrical loads belonging to the distribution module of the faulty electrical source will continue to be supplied without any interruption or cut-off. Preferably, the maximum voltage difference between the channels connected to the balancing bus 2 must be less than 20%, preferably less than 10%. Preferably, fuses make it possible to automatically resolve a degraded configuration as will be presented later.

[0066] Conversely, the supervision device 3 is configured to open the transfer contactors GT1, GT2, GTi if the electrical sources B1, B2, Bi have a voltage that is not balanced or to isolate a distribution module HVi. Preferably, the supervision device 3 is in the form of an electronic computer. Preferably, the supervision device 3 is configured to monitor the voltage of the electrical sources B1, B2, Bi using voltage sensors.

[0067] The monitoring device 3 is configured to detect a fault in one or more electrical sources or one or more electrical loads.

[0068] Preferably, the supervision device 3 is configured to ensure the general supervision of the various contactors, i.e., the transfer contactors GTi, the power supply contactors GBi and the load contactors GMi. Such a supervision device 3 advantageously makes it possible to control a reconfiguration of the distribution system 1 to isolate one or more electrical sources Bi and / or to isolate one or more electrical loads Mi-1, Mi-2. For example, in the event of a failure of a second HV2+ channel of the HV2 distribution module, the transfer contactor GT2 can be opened in order to avoid an overload or thermal runaway. The fault of the second HV2 distribution module advantageously does not prevent a power supply in the event of a fault in an electrical source since the balancing bus 2 advantageously makes it possible to make the link between the various distribution modules in a centralized manner.

[0069] A first example of implementation is presented in Figures 6 and 7. In this example, with reference to the, the transfer contactors GT1, GT2 are open by default in nominal operation. Thus, the electrical loads are all supplied by their electrical source B1, B2.

[0070] With reference to the, in the event of a fault in the electrical source B1 of the first distribution module HV1, the supervision device 3 will start a reconfiguration which will cause the opening of the power supply contactor GB1 and the closing of the transfer contactors GT1, GT2. Advantageously, the electrical loads M1-1, M1-2 of the first distribution module HV1 are powered by the balancing bus 2 which is itself powered by the electrical sources which are operational. This avoids significant load losses as in the prior art. The electrical loads M1-1, M1-2 are powered optimally even in the event of loss of the electrical source B1 of the first distribution module HV1. The distance between the defective electrical distribution module and the electrical sources coming as backup is not impactful.

[0071] A second example of implementation is presented in Figures 8 and 9. In this example, with reference to the, the electrical sources B1, B2 are balanced and the transfer contactors GT1, GT2 are closed in nominal operation. Thus, the electrical loads are all powered, on the one hand, by their electrical source B1, B2 and, on the other hand, by the balancing bus 2. The supervision device 3 makes it possible to monitor the balancing of the electrical sources B1, B2 and to connect only the electrical sources B1, B2 which are balanced with the balancing bus 2.

[0072] With reference to the, in the event of a fault in the electrical source B1 of the first distribution module HV1, the supervision device 3 will start a reconfiguration and open the power supply contactor GB1. Advantageously, the electrical loads M1-1, M1-2 of the first distribution module HV1 remain powered by the balancing bus 2 without any interruption. When the electrical loads M1-1, M1-2 are electric propulsion motors, there is advantageously no interruption of the propulsion, which is very advantageous.

[0073] With reference to the, a HVi electrical distribution module is schematically represented, the second transfer line LTi+ of which has at least one FTi transfer fuse. The FTi transfer fuse is preferably mounted between the second HVi+ channel and the GTi transfer contactor. The FTi transfer fuse has a rating which defines the maximum current allowed before a power cut is made.

[0074] In this example, at least one load line LMi1-, LMi2- comprises at least one load fuse FMi1, FMi2 whose rating is lower than that of the transfer fuse FTi. In this example, a load fuse FMi1, FMi2 is positioned on only one load line LMi1-, LMi2-, LMi1+, LMi2+ of an electrical load Mi-1, Mi-2. According to one aspect, for the same electrical load Mi-1, Mi-2, one load line LMi1+, LMi2+ comprises a load contactor GMi1, GMi2 while the other load line LMi1-, LMi2- comprises a load fuse FMi1, FMi2.

[0075] Advantageously, due to the difference in rating between the transfer fuse FTi and the load fuse FMi1, FMi2, the electrical load Mi-1, Mi-2 is reactively protected in the event of a short circuit.

[0076] In this example, at least one supply line LBi-, LBi+, comprises at least one supply fuse FBi whose rating is greater than that of the transfer fuse FTi. In this example, a supply fuse FBi is positioned on only one supply line LBi+ of an electrical source Bi. According to one aspect, for the same electrical load Bi, one supply line LBi- comprises a supply contactor GBi while the other supply line LBi+ comprises a supply fuse FBi.

[0077] Advantageously, due to the difference in rating between the transfer fuse FTi and the power supply fuse FBi, the power supply fuse FBi allows a significant current to flow before a cut-off occurs. If a short circuit occurs on a load Mi-1, Mi-2, the load fuse FMi1, Fmi2 clears the fault before the transfer fuse FTi. Finally, the clarification is carried out by the power supply fuse FBi.

[0078] With reference to the, a GTi transfer contactor is presented in the form of a single-pole contactor, that is, acting only on one pole, for example, on the second track as shown in the. It goes without saying that the GTi transfer contactor could be two-pole and act simultaneously on the first transfer line LTi- and on the second transfer line LTi+ as shown in thebut this increases the mass and the size.

[0079] In Figures 5 and 10, transfer contactors GTi have been presented in the form of an electromechanical device Di which is controlled by the supervision device 3. Such an electromechanical device Di has the advantage of having a low voltage drop and therefore of dissipating a small amount of electrical power in the closed position. Electrical losses are reduced.

[0080] According to a variant, with reference to the, the transfer contactor GTi' comprises a semiconductor, in particular, a transistor Ti. Such a transistor Ti makes it possible to improve the response time compared to an electromechanical device Di and is also more easily integrated into the electrical distribution system 1. It is also less expensive.

[0081] The disadvantage of a semiconductor is that it dissipates electrical energy due to the voltage drop generated during switching. For an IGBT type Ti transistor, the voltage drop is around 2V compared to a Di electromechanical device which has a voltage drop of around 100mV. This disadvantage is not significant compared to the significant gains in terms of response time. Indeed, a Ti transistor is only used in degraded mode during transients. Electrical losses are therefore very limited over time.

[0082] In an implementation mode in which the transfer contactors GTi' are open by default, no current flows in the transistor Ti of the transfer contactors GTi' in nominal configuration. In the event of loss of an electrical source Bi, the supervision device 3 will command the transistors Ti to close to ensure electrical continuity with a response time of the order of a microsecond.

[0083] According to a variant, with reference to the, the transfer contactor GTi'' comprises a semiconductor, in particular a transistor Ti, and an operational amplifier AOi for controlling the transistor Ti. The operational amplifier AOi is configured to compare the voltage of the second channel HVi+ to a set voltage Vcons so as to determine a voltage drop of the second channel HVi+ (corresponding to a loss of electrical source) with high responsiveness. Indeed, unlike a supervision device 3 which controls a switching in software manner, the operational amplifier AOi makes it possible to control a closing in hardware manner with a response time of the order of a microsecond. The responsiveness is increased. An operational amplifier AOi is easily integrated like a transistor Ti. A temporary dissipation of electrical energy is admissible.

Claims

Electrical distribution system (1) for an aircraft comprising at least:A first electrical distribution module (HV1) configured to supply at least two electrical loads (M1-1, M1-2) from at least one first electrical source (B1),A second electrical distribution module (HV2) configured to supply at least two electrical loads (M2-1, M2-2) from at least one second electrical source (B2)Each electrical distribution module (HV1, HV2, HVi) comprising a first channel (HV1-, HV2-, HVi-) and a second channel (HV1+, HV2+, HVi+) which are configured to be connected to each electrical load (M1-1, M1-2, M2-1, M2-2, Mi-1, Mi-2) of the electrical distribution module (HV1, HV2, HVi) and to each electrical source (B1, B2, Bi) of the electrical distribution module (HV1, HV2, HVi),Each first channel (HV1-, HV2-, HVi-) of an electrical distribution module (HV1, HV2, HVi) being connected to at least one other first channel (HV1-, HV2-,HVi-) of another electrical distribution module (HV1, HV2, HVi) by a first transfer line (LT1-, LT2-, LTi-),Each second channel (HV1+, HV2+, HVi+) of an electrical distribution module (HV1, HV2, HVi) being connected to the same balancing bus (2) by a second transfer line (LT1+, LT2+, LTi+) comprising a transfer contactor (GT1, GT2, GTi, GTi', GTi'') and a supervision device (3) configured in nominal operation to close the transfer contactors (GT1, GT2, GTi, GTi', GTi'') if the electrical sources (B1, B2, Bi) have a balanced voltage so as to allow parallel supply of a distribution module (HV1, HV2, HVi) via the electrical sources (Bi) and via the balancing bus (2),When a detection of a fault in an electrical source, to isolate the faulty electrical source, the electrical loads, belonging to the power supply module associated with said electrical source,being powered only by the balancing bus (2)., Electrical distribution system (1) according to claim 1, wherein, for a given electrical distribution module (HVi), each first channel (HVi-) is connected to the electrical source (Bi) of said electrical distribution module (HVi) by a first supply line (LBi) and each second channel (HVi+) is connected to the electrical source (Bi) of said electrical distribution module (HVi) by a second supply line (LBi+), at least one supply line comprising a power contactor (GBi) for isolating said electrical source (Bi). Electrical distribution system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, for a given electrical distribution module (HVi), each first channel (HVi-) is connected to each electrical load (Mi-1, Mi-2) of said electrical distribution module (HVi) by a first load line (LMi1-, LMi2-) comprising a load contactor (GMi1, GMi2) and each second channel (HV1+, HV2+) is connected to the electrical source (Bi) of said electrical distribution module (HVi) by a second load line (LMi1+, LMi2+), at least one load line (LMi1+, LMi2+) comprising a load contactor (GMi1, GMi2) for isolating said electrical load (Mi-1, Mi-2). Electrical distribution system (1) according to claims 2 and 3, wherein, for an electrical distribution module (HVi), the load contactor (GMi1, GMi2) and the power contactor (GBi) are single-pole and are connected to different paths (HV1+, HV2+). Electrical distribution system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which the transfer contactor (GTi', GTi'') comprises a transistor (Ti). Electrical distribution system (1) according to claim 5, wherein the transfer contactor (GTi'') comprises an operational amplifier (OAi) configured to close the transistor (Ti). Electrical distribution system (1) according to claim 6, wherein the operational amplifier (OAi) is configured to close the transistor (Ti) if the voltage of the second channel (HVi+) is lower than a set voltage (Vcons). Electrical architecture for an aircraft comprising a plurality of electrical sources (Bi) supplying a plurality of electrical loads (Mi-1, Mi-2) by an electrical distribution system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7. Method for supplying a plurality of electrical loads (Mi-1, Mi-2) by an electrical distribution system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, the electrical distribution system (1) being supplied by a plurality of electrical sources (Bi), the method comprising steps consisting of:In nominal operation, closing the transfer contactors (GTi, GTi', GTi'') so as to supply the electrical loads (Mi-1, Mi-2) in parallel via the electrical sources (Bi) and via the balancing bus (2),Upon detection of a fault in an electrical source, isolating the faulty electrical source, the electrical loads, belonging to the power supply module associated with said electrical source, being supplied only by the balancing bus (2).

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